Uptick in Fresno Homicides

Fresno has seen a major uptick in homicides compared to this same time last year. The Fresno Bee reports that there have been twelve murders thus far in 2017. In 2016, there had been seven up to this point in the year. The number may rise to thirteen if a recent case is deemed to be a homicide.

The recent case involves a homeless man who appears to have suffered some major trauma and was found dead in the early morning hours of February 27. The Bee reports that there have been several homicides involving homeless residents this year. Whether this is a trend that will continue is impossible to predict but Fresno must address the increase in homicides and do more to ensure that all residents are kept safe. This includes our homeless neighbors. To truly address the homicide increase and the homeless problem and to ensure safety for all, major investments are needed to combat the underlying causes of both issues.